Pastor

Founding Pastor

Pastor Joe Gwin, Jr.

Pastor Joe Gwin, Jr. and his wife, Elect-Lady Stephanie Gwin, are both educators in Minnesota. He has pastored in Rochester, MN, and served in several Christian leadership roles across the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area for many years. He and his wife have four wonderful children.

Pastor Gwin was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from C. F. Vigor High School, where he played football and ran track, and was awarded a track and field scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He went on to complete his Mathematics of Education certification in Minnesota, and also played semi-pro and Indoor Football League (Arena Football).

Pastor Gwin has worked as a Mathematics Instructor in public education for 29 years. He earned a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Saint Thomas, and his Education Specialist Degree with Principal Licensure and Administration in 2021 from Concordia University, St. Paul. In 2017, he was a candidate for “Minnesota Teacher of the Year.”

Pastor Gwin became a member of the Body of Christ on December 25, 2005, and dedicated his life to Christ as he ended his football pursuits. He has served faithfully as an Usher, Minister, and Adjutant, and was appointed to the office of elder, where he served as a Discipleship Institute Instructor and Servanthood Instructor, and provided premarital counseling. He planted and pastored a church in Rochester, MN for three years before founding Real Life Christian Assemblies, where he now serves as Pastor.

Co-Founder

Elect-Lady Stephanie Gwin

Elect-Lady Stephanie Gwin was born and raised in Mississippi. She received her Bachelor of Science in English Education from Mississippi Valley State University in 1995, and earned her certification for teaching grades five through 12 from the University of Minnesota, St. Paul.

Elect-Lady Gwin has served in Church Membership in Minnesota since 2000, initially as Director of Christian Education for 18 years, where she developed and organized Christian Education classes for parents, children, and youth from infant through grade 12.

She earned her Master in Education, Leadership and Principal Licensure from Jones International University, Colorado, and has served as a 6–12 educator for 29 years across various leadership roles. In 2020, she was a candidate for “Minnesota Teacher of the Year.” She earned her Education Specialist Degree with Principal Licensure and Administration at Concordia University, St. Paul, in 2024.